Regional security, an inclusive transition in Syria, and peace in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict were the matters US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday, according to a US statement issued afterwards.
As concern rises among observers about the possibility of a resurgence in ISIS helped along by the transition in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, and Turkey’s attacks on North and East Syria and its infrastructure show no sign of abating, Rubio has made Turkey aware of the priorities of the new US administration for the region.
The US and Turkey separately released official statements detailing Thursday’s phone call between Rubio and Fidan. While both governments acknowledged the importance of cooperation as NATO allies, their press releases revealed differences in tone and emphasis that reflect each country’s priorities and diplomatic approach.
The US Department of State, through Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, placed an emphasis on strategic regional issues during the call. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed “the importance of U.S.-Türkiye relations” and Turkey’s role as a “key NATO Ally”. The statement focused heavily on security concerns, particularly in Syria, where Rubio stressed the necessity of an inclusive transition that would prevent international terrorism and block “foreign malign actors” from exploiting the process. Additionally, Rubio highlighted the significance of achieving a “durable and dignified peace” between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also expressed condolences for lives lost in the recent Grand Kartal hotel fire in Bolu.
The statement comes after Rubio stressed the importance of supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against ISIS and ensuring stability in northern Syria. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Rubio issued a clear warning to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying, “It is important to signal to Erdoğan early that he should not view a transition in power in the US as a window to violate agreements.”
In contrast, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement called for the continuation of “mutual respect and trust”. It noted that Fidan congratulated Rubio on his new position and that the two leaders agreed to continue “bilateral cooperation”. The statement, reported on by the state-run Anadolu Agency, omitted specifics on Syria and the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, focusing on the “importance of collaboration” between both countries.
